Texas Business Registration

Starting a business in Texas? You’re in the right place. With no state income tax, a booming economy, and a streamlined registration process, Texas is one of the best states in the U.S. to launch and grow your business.

Whether you’re starting a small sole proprietorship, forming a robust LLC, or expanding your existing company into Texas, it all begins with proper business registration. Let’s walk you through the key steps — clearly, legally, and confidently.

🏢 Why Start a Business in Texas?

Texas is more than cowboy boots and oil fields. It’s a national powerhouse for small businesses, startups, and international brands. Here's why thousands of entrepreneurs choose Texas every year:

• No personal income tax — more profits stay with you

• Business-friendly laws and low regulation

• Fast-growing cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston

• Access to a diverse workforce and broad consumer base

• Affordable registration fees compared to other states

If you're looking to register a business in a state where opportunity meets simplicity, Texas is your go-to choice.

🧾 Step-by-Step: How to Register a Business in Texas

Here’s an overview of the Texas business registration process. While the steps may vary slightly depending on your structure (LLC, Corporation, Sole Proprietorship, etc.), the following outline covers the essentials.

1. 📌 Choose the Right Business Structure

Your first step is selecting the appropriate legal structure for your business. Common options include:

• Sole Proprietorship – Easy to set up, great for freelancers or solo businesses.
• General Partnership (GP) – Shared ownership between two or more people.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Offers personal liability protection and flexibility.
• Corporation (Inc.) – Ideal for larger businesses or those seeking outside investment.
• Limited Partnership (LP) or LLLP – Allows limited partners to invest without liability.
• Nonprofit Corporation – For charitable, educational, or religious organizations.
• Foreign Entity Registration – For companies formed outside of Texas.

Each structure has pros and cons, so it’s important to consider liability, taxation, and long-term goals.

2. 🏷️ Choose and Register Your Business Name

Texas requires your business name to be unique and distinguishable from existing entities.

• Conduct a name availability search through the Texas Secretary of State:
  SOS Direct
• If your chosen name is available, you can reserve it for 120 days (optional).
• If operating under a name different from your legal name (such as a DBA), you’ll need to file an Assumed Name Certificate with the county clerk or Secretary of State, depending on your structure.

3. 📄 File Your Formation Documents

Depending on your business type, you'll need to file specific documents with the Texas Secretary of State:

• LLC – File Form 205 (Certificate of Formation – LLC)

• Corporation – File Form 201 (Certificate of Formation – For-Profit Corp)

• Limited Partnership – File Form 207

• Nonprofit – File Form 202

4. 🧾 Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number)

The EIN, or Federal Tax ID, is required if you plan to:

• Hire employees

• Open a business bank account

• File taxes under your business name

You can apply for an EIN for free at the IRS website:
Apply for an EIN online

5. 📝 Register for State Taxes

Most businesses in Texas will need to register with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts to obtain a Sales Tax Permit or register for franchise taxes, depending on your activities.

Start here:
Texas Comptroller – Register for Taxes

6. 🧾 Obtain Licenses & Permits

Depending on your industry and location, you may need local, state, or federal licenses or permits.

Some examples include:

• Food service licenses
• Professional certifications (for cosmetologists, contractors, etc.)
• Environmental permits
• Local city or county business licenses

You can find guidance at Texas.gov Business Licenses

7. 📬 Designate a Registered Agent in Texas

Texas law requires most business entities to designate a registered agent — an individual or service authorized to receive legal documents.

You can appoint:

• Yourself
• An employee
• A third-party service (like us — we offer professional registered agent services in Texas!)

8. ✅ Stay Compliant

After registering, keep your Texas business compliant with the following:

• Franchise tax report (annually)
• Public Information Report (for LLCs and corporations)
• Annual renewals of licenses or assumed name certificates
• File changes (e.g., new address, ownership updates) as needed

Missing these requirements can result in penalties or dissolution of your business status.

🌟 Why Register with 100Services?

Let’s face it — state websites can be confusing, and registration mistakes can cost time and money. That’s why 100Services offers fast, affordable, and accurate business registration in Texas. We handle:

✅ Name Search & Registration

We conduct a thorough availability check of your chosen business name in the Texas database to ensure it is unique and meets state requirements. Once confirmed, we officially register your business name, including reserving it in advance if desired. If you plan to use a different trade name (DBA), we also assist with preparing and filing all necessary documents for its registration.

✅ Filing Formation Documents

We handle the preparation and submission of all required formation documents to the Texas Secretary of State’s office. This includes forms for creating LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and nonprofit organizations. We verify the accuracy and completeness of the paperwork to avoid delays or errors and file the documents online or by mail based on your preference.

✅ EIN & Tax Registrations

Obtaining an EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a critical step that enables you to open bank accounts, hire employees, and file taxes under your business name. We assist with the free application process for an EIN through the IRS. Additionally, we register your business with Texas state tax authorities to obtain sales tax permits, franchise tax registrations, and any other required tax licenses.

✅ Registered Agent Services

Texas law requires every business to have a registered agent — an individual or company authorized to receive official legal documents on behalf of your business. We provide professional registered agent services, ensuring you receive all correspondence promptly, helping you stay informed of important notices and maintain legal protection.

✅ Compliance Reminders

Staying compliant with legal requirements is essential for your business’s success. We offer reminder services for important deadlines such as annual report filings, tax payments, license renewals, and registration updates (e.g., address changes or ownership updates). With our timely notifications, you can avoid penalties and keep your company in good standing.

We help you avoid costly errors — and grow confidently from day one.

📞 Ready to Start a Business in Texas?

Launching a business shouldn’t be overwhelming. With the right help, registering your company in Texas is simple, fast, and fully online.

👉 Add your registration package to the cart now — or contact us for a free consultation at sales@100services.com.
🖥 Let’s get your Texas business up and running the right way!